Replies

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

A Word From Billy Graham
"Many people are building their lives on the rock of materialism. I find across the country a deep economic discontent among people in every walk of life. People want more and more things. They forget that we are enjoying the highest standard of living the world has ever known. We still have poverty, and hundreds of agencies are trying to do something about it; but many people who have enough are still dissatisfied. We want more, more, more. But Jesus said, 'You cannot serve both God and money' (Matthew 6:24, NIV). He said that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (Matthew 6:25-34). Adolf Berle, in his study of power, points out that riches often make people solitary and lonely and, of course, afraid. Many times a rich man knows loneliness and fear, because when he makes wealth his god, it leaves him empty. You see, without God life loses its zest, purpose and meaning."

Money -- A Temporary Gift
"My family 'had it all': a beautiful home, two expensive cars, investments, a condo at Lake Tahoe, respect in our community and many friends. We thought life couldn't be better. But one day the bank called. My partner of two years was deeply involved in drugs. More than $400,000 was missing from the account of a construction loan that I had personally guaranteed. The bank wanted me to pay off the discrepancy -- immediately. In the end we lost everything -- even many of our 'friends.' Then I landed in the hospital for three surgeries. But none of that was so bad as was Labor Day, 1983. In the wee hours of the morning a policeman arrived to tell us that our 19-year-old son, Frank, was dead: a drowning accident. The ache that I felt was unbearable. I did not think that I would survive. But then an incredible gift arrived from God. Frank's death quickly revealed what was important and what was not. Family was. Health was. Friends were. Faith was. God was. Money was not. Do I miss all of the things that money can buy? No. The loss of material things brought balance into our lives. Is it wrong to have money, to be wealthy? Is 'wealthy Christian' an oxymoron? I think not. God gives us the use of money temporarily, not forever. With wise stewardship money can give us the freedom to pursue our Christian values and to put our faith into action. Using and increasing God's money enables Christians to give back and to support projects, causes and missions about which they feel passionate. What a gift to share!" (Judith Briles).

Prayer
Lord, we confess that we sometimes rely on our possessions to provide for the future, when we should be relying on You. Forgive us for putting our trust in things that do not last. Show us how we can share the love of Christ through the resources You have entrusted to us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.